Don't take your Hearing for Granted!

A public service announcement!

Good morning, everyone! I must apologize for my sudden absence from writing. Recently, my husband experienced a sudden and complete loss of hearing in his right ear, an event that was as unexpected as it was frightening. Thankfully, his hearing is returning, and this ordeal has taught us so much that I feel compelled to share our story, hoping it might prevent this from happening to anyone else.

It all began one late afternoon while he was on a call with a colleague. Suddenly, he heard a loud, watery "Whoosh," and immediately after, every sound became unbearably loud. By the next morning, amidst severe dizziness and brutal ringing in his ears, I rushed him to the emergency room—a heartfelt shoutout to the wonderful team at the Cleveland Clinic!

After numerous tests and a tense 12-hour wait, a brilliant young ENT provided a diagnosis of idiopathic labyrinthitis instead of the initially suspected Meniere's Disease. This condition, likely triggered by a viral fragment, had caused severe inflammation in his inner ear, leading to hearing loss—a condition that can be irreversible if not treated immediately. The doctor swiftly started him on steroids and arranged for specialized treatments, including direct steroid injections into his inner ear.

The subsequent days were filled with appointments, but we were determined. Alongside the injections, he underwent Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (an intriguing treatment worth knowing about), chiropractic sessions, and Coherence Energy Therapy. Gradually, his hearing started to return—first in crackles and vibrations, as if his right ear was reawakening from a deep slumber.

Now, a month later, he's beginning to hear voices, music, and everyday sounds, although they are sometimes muffled by tinnitus. We're told he's making fantastic progress, but full recovery could take three months or more. It's absolutely exhilarating to see him recover!

I share this story not just to update you on our life, but to convey a crucial message: if you ever experience sudden hearing loss, seek medical help immediately. We learned at the ER that many people don't regain their hearing simply because they wait too long to seek treatment, in truth you really only have 14 days at the most. We were fortunate; his severe symptoms made it urgent enough to act swiftly, and that quick response made all the difference.

Thank you for your patience during this hectic time, which also included a joyous escape to Boulder for my niece's wedding—a beautiful celebration amidst the chaos! I've missed connecting with all of you and look forward to writing more regularly again.

Warmest wishes,

Beth